Potentially toxic fumes from massive open-air burn pits at
U.S. military bases in Iraq and Afghanistan may be related to health problems of
military troops who were stationed in the vicinity. Styrofoam, metals, plastics
and other materials were burned in fire pits stoked by jet fuel. Some are saying
the fume released could be the Agent Orange of the Iraq and Afghanistan
wars.

At this time, the VA’s official position is that research
hasn’t established evidence of long-term health problems from exposure to the
burn pits. However, the full impact may not be known for decades.

That’s why the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has
created an Airborne Hazards Registry. This is where you can sign up and
complete a questionnaire to report exposure to airborne hazards and other
health concerns. Hazards include smoke from burn pits, oil-well fires, and other
sources of pollution during deployment. Please check it out and tell
other veterans who may have been affected.